Geared Linkage with Large Angular Stroke Used In Tracked PV Systems

Abstract

The photovoltaic platforms deliver a higher energetic result when provided with tracking mechanisms. In this paper there is presented a new type of geared linkage is composed of a triangular linkage fitted with a planetary gear pair. This geared linkage, as a basic mechanism for azimuth tracking, was analytically modeled in two cases: when the linkage base is larger than the rocker and when the base is smaller than the rocker. This new tracking system has been comparatively analyzed, by numerical simulations. The results of the numerical simulations highlight that: a) the azimuth angular stroke is amplified only by the geared linkage with the base larger than the rocker and b) this stroke increases with the planetary gear internal ratio |i0|.